The Toronto Maple Leafs are again down a key player due to injury. John Tavares will now be marked as week-to-week. His return is unknown. The team has had a revolving door when it comes to their players and injuries.
Tavares practiced with the team on Wednesday, January 15th. He fell awkwardly onto the ice during a powerplay drill, essentially getting his leg pulled accidentally. He struggled to regain his footing but skated off without assistance.
The Maple Leafs announced that Tavares has a lower-body injury and has been placed on injured reserve. The team has since recalled rookie center Fraser Minten from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.
Bobby McMann commented on the veteran forward’s unfortunate demise. “Whether he ends up on the score sheet or not. Good leader every night, definitely a big hole that’s going to be tough to fill. And somebody that we hope gets back as soon as possible.”
Tavares has been a crucial part of the success of the Maple Leafs. He has played seven seasons in Toronto and was captain for five years. He handed the captaincy over to Auston Matthews at the start of this current season.
This season, Tavares has played in 44 games. He has 20 goals, 22 assists, and 125 shots on goal. He has averaged 19:20 on the ice per game.
Tavares has had some record years with Toronto. He played in 80 games last season and the one prior. He had 29 goals, 36 assists, and 279 shots on goal. During his first season with the Maple Leafs, he had a career-high of 47 goals and 88 points. He was also named Captain during his first year in Toronto.
On top of high-scoring seasons, Tavares had also broken a few records throughout the franchise and the NHL. He was the 107th player and the 13th active to score 400 NHL goals. During his 1,000th game, he had two assists. He then became the second player in Toronto’s history to have multiple points during this milestone.
Tavares hit his 1,000 points in 2023 with an assist on Morgan Rielly’s game-tying goal. He hit this milestone while playing the team that drafted him in 2009, the New York Islanders.
It is no surprise that Tavares is a well-rounded player and an asset on the ice. He is one of the most competitive players in the league. His offensive talent and drive have made him a leader on the ice but also a reliable teammate. He is not afraid to play in all areas on the ice.
Fraser Minten has played in 11 games for the Maple Leafs and has four points. It is expected that he will provide some depth for the team. However, it is unlikely he will make one of the top six roles.
At this time, it looks as if Max Domi will move up to the second center spot. He will be playing alongside William Nylander and Max Pacioretty. Pontus Holmberg will replace Domi on the third line.
The team has struggled with remaining healthy. They were without captain Auston Matthews for six games in December and nine in November. They are still awaiting the return of goaltender Anthony Stolarz, who has been out since mid-December. There are two other players, Calle Jarnkrok and Jani Hakanpaa, who also sit on the IR for the Maple Leafs.
There is no word on when Tavares will return or the severity of his injury. His absence from the team comes at a time when they cannot afford another player out. The Maple Leafs face off with the New Jersey Devils on January 16th.
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